Ventura College supports a varied program of departmental, social, cultural, and athletic curricular activities, as well as creative activities in dance, dramatics, and music. Every student is encouraged to participate in activities of his or her choice. More information is available from the respective departments listed.

Athletics

Playing under the name of the Pirates, the participants in the Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Athletic Programs compete in the Western State Conference with the exception of football, which is governed by the Southern California

Football Association. To be eligible for competition, the student athlete must be actively enrolled and attending in a minimum of 12 units during the season of competition and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. “Of the 12 credit units, at least nine shall be attempted in courses counting toward the associate degree, remediation, transfer, and/or certification as defined by the College Catalog, and are consistent with the student athlete’s educational plan.” (California Community College Athletic Association Code).

The Men’s Athletic Program offers competition in baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, swimming, tennis, track and field, and water polo. The Women’s Athletic Program includes competition in basketball, beach volleyball, cross-country, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and water polo.

Information about Pirate Athletics can be found on the department's website, www.VCweplayhard.com.

Dance

Under the direction of the dance department faculty and staff, the dance curriculum is built around technical, historical, and performance courses. The courses are designed to prepare and enhance students’ abilities in communication, critical thinking, and self-expression to further their academic dance pursuits, their professional careers in dance and other dance-related fields. Students who seek performance and choreographic experience can join the dance performance class which culminates into a live dance performance at the end of the semester.

Music Ensembles

College Choir and College Singers

These groups are designed for people who enjoy singing a wide variety of the finest choral literature. College Choir is an open group for singers with little or no previous experience. College Singers require an audition to sing with ensemble. Those are held on the first day of the semester, along with the initial placement auditions for the College Choir. A major performance will be presented each semester.

Orchestra

Students are invited to participate in orchestra rehearsals and concerts each semester. These classes provide opportunity to perform great symphonic literature. The orchestra often supports Musicals, Opera, and Ballet. Auditions may be required for the selected productions.

Instrumental Chambers Ensembles

Chamber Music Ensembles are organized each semester for those students who desire experience in interpretation. Strings, Guitar, Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion ensembles are formed when qualified personnel are available.

Jazz Band

Students rehearse weekly in a large jazz band, with a major performance at the end of the semester. The focus is on a variety of Jazz idioms. Auditions may be required.

Opera and Music

Students participate in weekly rehearsals and perform in a major production each semester. Auditions may be required.

Theatre

Theatre Arts faculty and staff at Ventura College aim to provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience in all aspects of performance and production. Co-curricular activities in Theatre Arts include plays and other dramatic events produced throughout the academic year. Students seeking performance opportunities are required to audition. Students interested in production assignments (crew, costume, lights, set, sound, stage management, etc.) are encouraged to request an interview with the faculty director or producer of the desired project.